Electrical Capacity in a Co-ownership: Hydro-Quebec Steps

The electrification of uses (charging stations, heat pumps and elevator modernization) is putting the electrical capacity of divided co-ownership buildings to the test. Before adding loads, you must confirm that the electrical service entrance, panels and Hydro-Quebec network can handle them. Increasing capacity affects the common portions and requires technical planning, steps with the distributor and a decision by the meeting (annual general meeting) in accordance with your declaration of co-ownership.

In the Greater Montreal area, several syndicates are assessing upgrades to accommodate charging stations in indoor parking areas or stabilize ageing networks. Here is a practical guide to structuring your project, from the initial diagnostics through to the vote and coordination of the work.

When and why to increase electrical capacity

Several signs indicate that your co-ownership should review its electrical capacity:

• Main circuit breakers that trip during peak periods (winter or when common equipment starts up).
• Plans to add electric vehicle charging stations (multiple co-owner requests).
• Addition of collective equipment: ventilation, central heat pumps, common water heaters or security systems.
• Ageing infrastructure: original electrical service entrance and panels, insufficient free space or wiring requiring modernization.

Beyond comfort, this is a safety and compliance issue. An audit assesses current and projected loads, then determines whether intelligent management (dynamic load sharing) is sufficient or whether an increase in capacity and a modification to the Hydro-Quebec service connection are required. The maintenance logbook (EUC) and the multi-year intervention plan should incorporate these findings.

Technical steps and procedures with Hydro-Quebec

A successful project relies on a clear sequence and well-defined responsibilities. In practice, the following steps are generally followed:

1. Preliminary study and surveys

   • Engage an electrical engineer or a master electrician holding an appropriate licence from the Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ) to survey the installations and prepare a load balance based on measured peaks.
   • Assess the scenarios: optimization and demand management, equipment replacement, added capacity (kVA) and an electrical service entrance upgrade.

2. Load study and concept

   • Prepare a signed load study (diversity factors and growth scenarios: charging stations, common portion equipment and typical private portion loads).
   • Define a conceptual solution: service entrance size, conductor gauge, panels, technical space, clearances and ventilation for the electrical room.

3. Application to Hydro-Quebec (service connection modification)

   • Submit a request to modify the service (increased capacity, voltage or a metering change, if applicable). The distributor will confirm upstream network capacity, possible constraints (transformer or duct) and the conditions for carrying out the work.
   • Depending on the outcome, Hydro-Quebec will plan its work on the public network, while the syndicate assumes responsibility for work at the property line and inside the building.

4. Plans, specifications and calls for tenders

   • The engineer prepares plans and specifications that comply with applicable standards, including the power shutdown and restoration sequence, work phasing and the continuation of essential services.
   • Request bids from RBQ-licensed electrical contractors and compare prices, methods of execution, schedules and installation warranties.

5. Permits, coordination and execution

   • Obtain the required municipal permits. Coordinate interruption windows and testing with Hydro-Quebec.
   • Carry out the upgrade (electrical service entrance, grounding, panels, power wiring for common loads and energy management systems). Plan temporary measures for elevators, ventilation, intercoms and security systems.

6. Commissioning, inspections and documentation

   • The contractor and engineer conduct the tests and then commission the installation. Hydro-Quebec carries out its own validations.
   • Update your as-built plans, maintenance logbook (EUC) and the syndicate’s records. Keep the certificates of compliance and incorporate the new capacities into energy planning.

Useful resources:

• RBQ – choosing a contractor and understanding the obligations: rbq.gouv.qc.ca
• LégisQuébec – Civil Code of Quebec (co-ownership rules): legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca
• RGCQ – co-ownership best practices: rgcq.org

Co-ownership governance: votes, annual general meetings and declarations of co-ownership

An electrical capacity increase concerns the common portions and follows your declaration of co-ownership. It must be submitted to the meeting of co-owners with a clear resolution, a summary of the engineering study, the proposed budget and the impact on common expenses.

• Notice of meeting and agenda: list the electrical upgrade as a separate item. Send the supporting documents in advance so co-owners can make an informed decision.
• Required majorities: under the Civil Code of Quebec, some decisions are made by a simple majority of the votes cast, while others (for example, work that substantially modifies the common portions or their use) require the enhanced majorities provided for in the relevant articles. Refer to the applicable provisions and your declaration of co-ownership to confirm the exact threshold, with the assistance of legal counsel if necessary. See: LégisQuébec – Civil Code of Quebec.
• Minutes and follow-up: the minutes must record the decision, financing arrangements (assessments or loan) and schedule. The board of directors then manages execution and communications.

Tip: schedule a technical question period at the annual general meeting with the engineer present. This reduces uncertainty and makes it easier to obtain the required majority.

Budget, condo fees and project financing

The budget should cover the study, plans and specifications, electrical work, Hydro-Quebec interventions upstream (if applicable), permits and project management. Three financing tools are typical:

• Common expenses/special assessments: allocated according to the co-ownership shares set out in the declaration of co-ownership. Clearly explain the impact on condo fees.
• Contingency fund: may finance the replacement of common elements if the nature of the work corresponds to the multi-year plan. Update the maintenance logbook and study to reflect the equipment’s new service life.
• Loan taken out by the syndicate: possible with an appropriate resolution; assess the repayment capacity and the effect on future assessments.

From a tax perspective, certain programs and measures may be available depending on the nature of the work and the co-owners’ profiles. Check the details directly with Revenu Quebec: revenuquebec.ca.

To structure the budget and accounting follow-up, see our financial management and operations management services. You can also browse the advice on our blog.

Charging stations and demand management: doing more with the same capacity

Before expanding the electrical service entrance, several syndicates are implementing demand-management solutions for charging stations in parking areas:

• Dynamic load sharing: the system allocates available capacity among connected vehicles and caps the total load.
• Circuit control: modules measure each dwelling’s consumption and shut off the charging station if the peak exceeds an agreed threshold.
• Scheduling and prioritization: overnight charging, prioritization of shared charging stations and limitations during peak periods.

These measures may delay or reduce the scope of a capacity increase. If an increase remains necessary, they are still good practices for optimizing the future infrastructure.

Best practices and compliance:

• Use certified equipment and RBQ-licensed installers.
• Ensure adequate ventilation and clearances in electrical rooms.
• Document the power limits for each charging station and the rules for use in the by-laws of the immovable.

Resources:

• RBQ – electrical work safety and compliance: rbq.gouv.qc.ca
• RGCQ – practical resources on electrification in co-ownerships: rgcq.org
• OACIQ – useful information when selling a condo (disclosure of work and assessments): oaciq.com

Schedule, risks and communications with co-owners

Even a well-planned capacity increase project involves uncertainties: transformer availability, coordination of service interruptions, access to electrical rooms and municipal permits. Reduce the risks by sequencing the work, planning temporary access and communicating shutdown windows early.

For communications, combine emails, posted notices and information meetings. Explain the expected benefits: increased safety, readiness for electrification, fewer trips and the building’s lasting value. Remember to update the EUC and schedule preventive maintenance (thermographic inspections, periodic tightening and protection-system testing).

For structured support in the Greater Montreal area, discover our operations management services and our “Condominium Management in Montreal” approach.

FAQ

Q1. Can charging stations be installed without increasing electrical capacity?

Yes, sometimes. Dynamic load management, load shedding and prioritization make it possible to add charging stations while staying within the available capacity. A professional load study will determine whether these measures are sufficient.

Q2. Who pays for the upgrade?

Under the declaration of co-ownership, costs related to the common portions are generally allocated according to the co-ownership shares; special assessments may be required. The syndicate may also take out a loan with the appropriate resolution. Confirm the allocation provided for in your declaration of co-ownership and the arrangements approved at the annual general meeting.

Q3. What permits and inspections are required?

Your RBQ-licensed electrical contractor handles the applicable permits and coordinates the inspection. Hydro-Quebec validates its own work. The board of directors should require the certificates of compliance and archive the documents in the syndicate’s records.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer or notary for your situation.

This article provides general information and does not replace advice from a tax specialist or accountant. Refer to Revenu Quebec and the CRA for the exact details.

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